A VARIETY of good causes received donations totalling £5,500 at a presentation evening held at Barrow Masonic Hall.

The money was raised in January at the annual dinner with boxing evening organised by the Freemasons of Furness at the Cumbria Grand Hotel in Grange.

Boxers from Barrow ABC and Furness Catholic Boxing Club featured on the card at Grange and both clubs received a donation.

The recipients included Lynne Diggle of Loppergarth playgroup, which is cared for by members of the community.

Other recipients included Ellyse Rochford of Sandside Special School. The money will go towards the provision of a hydroponic pool to benefit the pupils.

Pam Dilkes of Womens Community Matters at Barrow, was on hand to accept a cheque and gave an insight into the work of the organisation which aims to help vulnerable women and families.

Donations were also made to Barrow Sea Cadets, 128 Air Cadet Squadron, Duddon Canoe Club, the Seymour Court garden fund, St Cuthbert’s, Aldingham, the local branch of the Samaritans, volunteer paramedics, the Owl Sanctuary and Kendal Boxing Club.

Boxing committee chairman Barrie Bray said: “I am grateful to the generous sponsors and everyone who helps makes the boxing evening such an overwhelming success. Hearing the uses to which the money raised will be put makes all the effort worthwhile. Planning is now underway for the event in January 2020 which once again is nearly fully booked.”

In the 33 years that this event has been organised, £215,000 has been donated.